I have a older pet rat in a plastic coated wire cage (she doesn't chew it) and I want to know if it is safe to cover the wire ramps with sticky back or ceramic tile, I don't want her to get bumblefoot or to get caught as she gets older but I also don't want to put her at risk, any serious advice is welcome, sarcasm is not. Thanks
2006-08-10 06:52:40 · 9 answers · asked by Chicky_S 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
I would only cover the ramps leading up to her food dish and water bottle with the tile not the whole cage!
2006-08-10 07:08:31 · update #1
what if I rough up the tiles abit? because carpet would be messy
2006-08-10 07:10:03 · update #2
try using that plastic mesh canvas used for crafts, attach it to the shelves with wire ties. This way, if it gets chewed, it's easy to replace and you can actually wash the cage with it attached. I do know some people who place linoleum tiles in spots on the cage to give their rats spots to rest their feet. If your rats are using a litter box (which I recommend) the tile stays cleaner. I use the plastic mesh mostly because they still pee wherever they want.
Try this web site for more info.
http://www.ratguide.com/
Zoo
http://www.thezootribe.com/
2006-08-15 03:44:58 · answer #1 · answered by Zoo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some bird cages are made of galvanised wire, which is poisonous to rats and other small mammals. It may be best to sell and then buy a proper rat cage. If you can be positive it is not galvanised wire and you add firm shelving that won't move or break with chewing, go for it. Just make sure you have a small animal hammock or something to that effect between higher levels, so the rat won't hurt itself if it falls.
2016-03-27 06:51:27 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to raise Rats and they are very good pets to have.
I would put ceramic tile in there instead of the sticky back tile. She would probably chew that all up (the sticky back one).
With the Ceramic tile it would be real easy to wash up and sanitize. You might want to keep one area open so maybe she will use the bathroom there and you would have less clean up.
I would also put like some old jeans for her to snuggle in, my rats used to love that!!
2006-08-10 07:04:19 · answer #3 · answered by Raynae W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on your rattie what would be best. My boy (neutered) and girl have sticky-backed tile on most of the shelves of their cage but not on the ramps. They have yet to chew on it, though I'm sure other rats would react differently. They much preferred pulling our curtains into the cage and chewing on those before we moved the cage :)
2006-08-10 07:33:30 · answer #4 · answered by star_momma 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it would be dangerous at all, but tile might be a bit too slippery for a ramp especially if your rattie is older. Maybe something with a little more traction would be better.
2006-08-10 07:00:24 · answer #5 · answered by jerrri 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Traction will be lost on tiles. Use some scrap carpet, and replace it if needed. I doubt that it will mess much or any, on the ramps.
If you don't have any carpet, hell, visit a carpet store. Their trash will have loads.
Gee, you might even be able decorate. Kidding.
2006-08-10 07:05:29 · answer #6 · answered by ed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't think it would hurt your rat, but i would check with the feed store or a pet store and see what they think,
i would say do it, but im not an expert on rats
hope you find an answer
2006-08-16 08:07:29 · answer #7 · answered by mother of 7! 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well...Kinda cuz it makes sure ur pet don't get out.But it is kinda hard 2 breath!!
2006-08-10 07:00:20 · answer #8 · answered by KoolKat911 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no it is NOT safe to cover ur rats cage!!! They could die!!!!!
What are u thinking!!!!!!!
2006-08-10 08:49:03 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋